Michael Tortorich: Haiti still needs help

Tuesday

Feb 23, 2010 at 12:01 AMFeb 23, 2010 at 11:17 PM

News topics have a way of coming and going in a flash. Yesterday’s front page news eventually gets downgraded to inside blurbs and, eventually, disappears completely. Now, more than a month removed from the devastating earthquake in Haiti, much work remains to be done. Humanitarian aid is still needed in the country, just as it was last month when the earthquake hit.

Michael Tortorich

News topics have a way of coming and going in a flash. Yesterday’s front page news eventually gets downgraded to inside blurbs and, eventually, disappears completely.

A devastating earthquake struck Haiti on Jan. 12. The epicenter of the earthquake was just outside the country’s capital, Port-au-Prince. An estimated 230,000 people died, and many others were left injured and homeless. Millions have been affected by the catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake.

Now, more than a month removed from the disaster, much work remains to be done in Haiti. Humanitarian aid is still needed in the country, just as it was last month when the earthquake hit.

Sure, the headlines are steadily streaming out of the ravaged country now, but that pace undoubtedly will slow in the coming months.

There was an outpouring of aid and support from around the world after the disaster as hundreds of organizations pulled together generous help for Haiti. Much of that support has continued over the weeks since the initial impact of the earthquake.

“Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief” – a star-studded telethon – raised millions of dollars for various charities.

Another creative way of raising money has been the recording of benefit songs, like “We Are the World” and “Everybody Hurts.”

Titled “We are the World 25,” dozens of popular artists contributed to the effort of remaking the Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie song. The official video, which features clips of both the artists recording the song and scenes from Haiti, topped 12 million views on YouTube.